Derringer for "BUG"/"walk the dog gun"

[Tony Fly]

Anyone have any thoughts on a derringer for a BUG/going to the convenience store, self defense gun? I think they are so cool but 2 shots... hmmm better make them count!

A 410 derringer would be good in some cases I guess. close range/1 target

Does anyone own/used to own a cobra arms derringer or the CA32/CA380? I think they are cool but I have not heard much on them from a consumer standpoint. Price is right though!

Thanks

[knight0334]

I've carried them as BUGs and primary depending on my needs of the moment.

I had two matching 45/410 derringers. And presently have a 38spl Cobra - which is a POS.

If you do go the derringer route - get an American Derringer or the Bond. ...avoid the Cobra/Davis 2-shooters.

[Dredly]

I would just be a bit to worried about the 2 shot capacity and slow reload... while they are very small I'd rather go with another very small gun like a KelTec or Kahr. At least you have enough firepower to stand a fighting chance... the .410 is supposed to kick badly as well.

[knight0334]

I would just be a bit to worried about the 2 shot capacity and slow reload... while they are very small I'd rather go with another very small gun like a KelTec or Kahr. At least you have enough firepower to stand a fighting chance... the .410 is supposed to kick badly as well.

Its not as bad as you would think. The 3" shells get your attention real quick, but the 2-1/2" shells are about on par as a 357mag.

Those guns are designed to roll up in your hand, not push back into your wrists like most others(DA revolvers and brass polluters).

[Tony Fly]

I've carried them as BUGs and primary depending on my needs of the moment.

I had two matching 45/410 derringers. And presently have a 38spl Cobra - which is a POS.

If you do go the derringer route - get an American Derringer or the Bond. ...avoid the Cobra/Davis 2-shooters.

Knight,

If you don't mind me asking... what makes the cobras a POS?
It seems like such a simple design that even an armless monkey could make them correctly.

I am more or less interested in a derringer just for the hell of it... I think they are so cool! Mostly for fun shooting and just to say I own one!

Thanks to all for your input!

[knight0334]

Knight,

If you don't mind me asking... what makes the cobras a POS?
It seems like such a simple design that even an armless monkey could make them correctly.

I am more or less interested in a derringer just for the hell of it... I think they are so cool! Mostly for fun shooting and just to say I own one!

Thanks to all for your input!

What makes it a POS:

The metal is a zinc alloy which is VERY soft and brittle - unlike steels where when they are soft the are less likely to fracture.

The trigger had a pull of about 20lbs. Yes, twenty pounds. I've since gave it a workings and got it down to about 8-10lbs.

The racket cam doesn't always work - thus not switching over to the other barrel.

The trigger pin likes to work its way out. They aren't staked on either side, only working on "close tolerances" - which they aren't because it likes to move.

The rifling looks like it was painted in. My micrometer cant measure the difference between the lands and grooves - virtually a smoothbore and very inaccurate for even a derringer.

[knight0334]

I dont want to totally knock the Cobras. I do love mine just for the fact that it's a derringer. But if I had the money I would have gotten an American Derringer product first. ...they are some damn nice pieces and have a wider selection of chamberings.

[synergy]

I'd say it's probably marginally better than a pointy stick.

Any gun is better than no gun, when you need a gun.
I'd either take a good fighting blade or a j-frame...I don't see the point of a 2 shot gun that size.

[Jailkeeper]

I have a Bond Arms derringer I bought several years ago. The quality is outstanding!

Call the factory; ask for Charlie. He'll answer any & every question you have.

They have provided me with the best support I have ever seen anywhere. With the possible exception of NAA. They too are worthy of a +1.

[RLS]

Buy a J-frame instead, five shots vs two, almost as easy to conceal.

The J-frame is easier to find in your pocket, too.



Rick